Metal panel construction and building assembled therefrom



Feb. 2, 1960 WEBB 7 2,923,383

METAL PANEL CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING ASSEMBLED THEREFROM Filed Feb. 3, 1956 I 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 FIG. 1

r h J 29 27 FIG. 3

INVENTOR [mm/m0 H WEEK i ATTO EY Feb. 2, 1960 L. H. WEBB 2,923,383

METAL PANEL CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING ASSEMBLED THEREFROM Filed Feb. 3, 1956 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG. 8

INVENTOR F16. 4 I: F166 Z a/VA RD H. WEBB ATTORNEY United States Patent METAL PANEL CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING ASSEMBLED THEREFROM Leonard H. Webb, Gerard, Ohio, assignor to Websteel Framing Systems, Inc, Youngstown, 01:10, a corpora- The present invention relates to metal buildings and, more particularly, to improved panel construction for such buildings.

The primary object of the present invention is to provide an improved double-walled panel unit for employment in a building of prefabricated construction Wherem the panel units are characterized by greater load bearing capacity and inherent strength when said units are assembled to form a side wall, for example. Each of the basic panel units consist of a pair of facing channels with inturned edge portions defining meeting surfaces which project into the hollow panel. These edge portions run the length of the panel units and, when two of such units are placed in side-by-side relation, the edge portions of the two panel units from a beam-like arrangement at the meeting edges of the two units which considerably strengthens the same and increases their load bearing characteristics. By aligning a plurality of panel units in side-by-side relation, side Walls of a building are formed with a plurality of vertically extending beamlike supports, as will be more readily apparent upon further consideration of the specification.

' It is yet another object of the invention to provide a hollow double-walled panel unit consisting of two pieces which is of the utmost simplicity to manufacture and fabricate but yet is readily adapted to be treated so that the outer channel will withstand the weather and the inner channel presents a pleasing appearance and may be used as the interior walls of the building. As an example, the outer channel might be porcelainized while the inner channel could be painted with enamel after the building is assembled. The construction of the panel unit from two sections is especially advantageous in that the outwardly facing channel may be formed from material which is readily porcelainized while the inner chaniiei is made from a different quality of material which is easily painted.

A further object of the invention is to provide a metal building of prefabricated construction which is of the utmost simplicity to assemble. The various component parts are such that the construction operations may be completed in a minimum of time by relatively unskilled assemblers without the use of special tools. In addition, I have provided a building of double-walled panel construction Where it is possible to provide in the side walls of such a building openings for door and windows, corners, jambs, etc., without departing from the beam-like supports inherent in the basic panel units.

These objects, as well as other objects and advantages of the invention, will become more readily apparent upon further consideration of the following detailed specification and accompanying drawing wherein is disclosed a preferred embodiment of my invention.

' 1n the drawing:

Figure 1 is a front elevation of a building constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invenmm;

Figure 2 is a vertical section taken along the line IIII ofFigure 1;

Figure 3 is a horizontal sectional view of a corner of the building taken along the line III-III of .Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a side view of the window construction taken along the section line IVIV of Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a top sectional view of the construction shown in Figure 4 taken along-the line V-V;

Figure 6is a side view of the door frame construction taken along the section line VIVI of Figure 1 with the door removed;

Figure 7 is a top view as seen from the section line VII-VII of Figure 6; and

Figure 8 is a front sectional View showing in detail the construction of the roof for the building depicted in Figure 1.

Referring now to the drawing, wherein is shown a specific and preferred embodiment of the invention, the reference numeral 10 designates generally a metal prefabricated building which is supported on a concrete floor 11 and comprises a generally fiat roof 12 and four side walls 13 with at least the front side wall 13 being provided with a door 14 and a large window 15. The continuous and unbroken sections of the side walls 13 are constructed from a plurality of hollow and double-walled panel units 16 as Will be further described.

Each of the panel units 16 comprises a pair of identical channel members 17 and 18, forming inner and outer Wall surfaces respectively, with inturned edge portions 19 and 20 forming meeting surfaces as shown in Figures 2 and 3 of the drawing. It is contemplated that a flat piece of sixteen gauge steel of proper dimensions will be subjected to suitable forming operations to form one of the channel members 17 or 18. Because both of the channel members 17 and '18 are identical, the same forming equipment and' operations may be utilized to form both members, resulting in considerable savings of both time and money. L

Since the channel member 18 becomes the outer Wall surface, and the channel member 17 is the inner wall,

it may be desirable to form the same from different quality steel. As an example, the outer channel 18 might be made from steel which is readily porcelainized while the inner channel 17 could be made from a steel having high luster and adapted to be painted. After the por- I celainizing of the outer channel 18 and cleaning of the channel member 17, these members are placed together and spot welded or joined by some other metal stitching method along their outer meeting edges. Thus, the assembled panel unit 16 is rectangular in cross section, with the inturned and meeting edge'portions 19 and 20 forming vertical beams which add inherent strength and load carrying ability-to the individual panel unit.

In construction of a side wall 13 for the building, as will be hereinafter more fully explained, the panel units 16 are aligned in side-by-side relation thereby forming a continuous and unbroken wall section with the cooperatlng edge portions 19 and 20 of the adjacent panel units 16 defining a beam-like support 21 which extends the heighth of the building. The beam-like supports 21 are strategically positioned where they are most needed; at the meeting edges of the channel member 17 and 18 and adjacent panel units 16, as is readily apparent. The assembled building is thus provided with a plurality of the beam-like supports 21 at spaced points which considerably strengthens the structure. vIt is obvious, of course, that the dimensions of the panel units 16 will depe upon the shape and type of the building desired, and the load bearing characteristics necessary to support e roof I} and otherappurtenant equipment supported from the side walls.

In constructing the building, the first operation is the pouring of the concrete floor 11. After this, an upturned metal channel forming a sill 22 is positioned on the floor 11 in the shape of the building desired. The sill 22 is rigidly secured to a pair of angles 23 which are turn bolted to the floor 11-. It is noted th at the sill ZZ and the angles 23 are continuous around the periphcry of the building except where the door 14 is positioned.

After the sill 22 has been properly positioned, the panel units 16 are placed in side-by-side relation to define the continuous portions of the side walls. It is contemplated that the meeting ends of adjacent panel units will be caulked by a suitable composition to form a plurality of caulked joints 24 which prevent undue acoustical and/or mechanical vibrations as well as prevent excessive heat flow from the inner to the outer side wall and provide a giveable joint to compensate forthe expansion and contraction of the panel units 16 during temperature changes. The adjacent panel units 16 are tied together by a plurality of bolts 25 along their meeting edges while they are rigidly secured in the sill 22 by means of self-tapping screws 26 which extend through the angles 223 and the sill 22;

For each of the corners of the building, I provide a special corner panel unit 27, which comprises an iriner and outer member 28 and 29 having inturned edge portions 38 and 31, respectively, forming the meeting edges of the panel unit near one end along the inner face thereof. In this manner, the beam-like support 21 is retained when the next panel unit 16 is put in place and, in addition, the corner of the building presents a pleasing appearance whether viewed from the outside or inside as is apparent in Figure 3 of the drawing.

I propose to provide a large window 15 in the side wall 13 of the building and this is accomplished by utilizing a number of truncated panel units 32 which are of less heighth than the panel units 16 and form the base for the window. The header for the window 15 comprises a pair of longitudinally extending channels 33 having apertured flanges 34 on both' ends thereof. The header channels 33 are attached to a pair of cover plates 35 which form the inner and outer wall surfaces of the window header. It is apparent that a pair of the standard panel units 16 define the remaining part of the rectangular opening for the window 15 with the panel units 16 being bolted to the apertured flanges 34 to support the header.

The rectangular opening defined by the header, panels 16, and truncated panels 32, is lined with a channel member 36 which is fastened to these various pieces and carries the window-receiving trim which comprises various lengths of angles 37 having beveled edge portions and being spaced to receive a pane of window glass. It is noted in Figure that the channel member 36 may be spaced a slight distance from the ends of the panel units 16 and that the free end of these units will be reinforced by the vertically extending angles 38 adjacent the inturned edge portions 19 and 20 to give added rigidity to the window frame.

In such a metal building, it is necessary to provide an arrangement for the door 14, and this is accomplished in the present instance by constructing a door header or lintel comprising the inturned and upturned channels 39 each having two apertured angles 40 on each end thereof. The door header channels 39 are separated from each other by the cover plates 41 as shown in Figure 6 of the drawing. The sides of the opening for the door 14 consist of two standard panel units 16 with the edges thereof being reinforced by the vertical angles 38 and the upper portion of the panel units 16 are secured to the apertured angles 40 attached to the door header channels 39.

The edges of the side panel units 16 defining the door opening are fitted with a door jamb 42 having the tongue till 44 and shoulders 45 while the door header assembly carries a jamb member 46 having the shoulder 47 for receiving the door. It is thus apparent that the door 14 may be conventionally hung by hinges from one side of the opening and will be received against the shoulder's 4 5 and 47 in the conventional manner.

Referring now to Figure 8 and the construction at the roof 12 for the building, I provide a channel 48 which serves as a top cover member and covers the top of the panel units'16 and the various door and window headers or lintels. igidly attached to the outer face of the top cover channel 48 is a facia member 49 which extends outwardly of the side walls 13 and then vertically with a sharp projection being defined at its uppermost part to form a water stop as is readily apparent. The facia member 49 extends completely around the building as shown in the various sectional views.

The roof is constructed from a plurality of U-shaped joists 50, each having a flat bottom portion and upwardly diverging sidewalls terminating in the outwardly directed top flange portions 51, Span the building from front to rear in spaced parallel relation. The joists 59 are provided along their side wall portions, below the flanges 51, with L-shaped apertures to receive and conform substantially to transversely disposed angle sections 52. At this point, the roof decking 53 is laid over the angle sections 52, the decking in the form of longitudinal strips, and preferably having longitudinally extending strengthening ribs 54, the arrangement being such that the open space between any pair of joists 50 is covered by the roof decking 53.

To cover the open top area of each joist 50, I utilize longitudinally extending metal channels 55, which are supported on the angle sections 52, and which extend from one side wall to the other of the joists. The decking and channels 55 may then be covered with any conventional roofing material, not shown, such as asphalt and tar paper, for example, to form a water impervious covering.

The two joists 50 nearest the two side walls are se cured to the top cover channel 48 by angled members 56 and the ends of all the joists 5i protrude over and rest on that portion of the top cover channel 48 covering the front and rear walls. In addition, each joist 59 has a pair of outwardly directed flanges 57 on either end thereof which are adapted to be secured to the member 49 by any expedient attachment means. In this manner, thereof is positively supported by the front and rear walls with the load being evenly distributed along these walls. Secured to the flat bottom faces of the U-shaped joists 50 are a plurality of aligned ceiling panels 58 which extend from the inside face of the front wall to the inside face of the rear wall. These ceiling panels 58 are so arranged that a continuous and unbroken inside ceiling is obtained.

It is noted that the construction of the roof 12 is especially advantageous in that the various parts thereof are in a compact and nesting arrangement which is easily assembled. The top cover channel 48 fits tightly over the panel units 16 and the header assemblies, and the roof joists 50 are adapted to be positioned directly thereon. The ends of the joists 50 are covered by the facia member 49 which presents a pleasing appearance and adds rigidity to the structure. The ceiling panels 58 are attached to the joists 50 in such a manner that the ceiling panels 58 and the facia member 49 tend to keep the top cover channel 48 tightly in place over the panel units 16 and headers.

It is contemplated that most of the component pieces of the building structure will be made from sixteen gauge steel, and it should be understood that this gauge of sheet material is easily worked or bent by conventional tools, such as pliers, to permit quick assembly. In addition, since the panel members and the joists are hollow, it may be convenient to run various electrical and other conduits, for example, therein to suitable outlets in the inner wall or ceiling panels. Further, some type of insulation may be desirable and it is within the scope of this invention to fill the various hollow panel units with any type of heat insulating material, such material being commercially available in pellet or fibrous slab form, for example.

It should thus be apparent that -I have accomplished the objects initially set forth by providing improved panel unit construction for utilization in a building of prefabricated construction. When two adjacent panel units are abutted, the inturned edge portions thereof form a beam-like support, which greatly increases the load bearing capacity of the side walls and eliminates any bulging thereof. In addition, the beam-like supports are formed at the places they will accomplish the most goodi.e. at the meeting joints of the various panel units.

Another aspect of the present invention is that the basic panel unit is of the utmost simplicity in design and construction. The inner member of the panel unit may be made from one quality of steel which is adapted to be painted while the other section might be formed from steel which is readily porcelaiuized. In this manner, efiective utilization of various steels is accomplished, depending on the treatment desired, for the inner and outer walls.

Although I have described a specific embodiment of the invention, it is apparent that many changes may be made therein without departing from the teachings thereof. Reference should therefore be had to the following appended claim in determining the scope of my invention.

I claim:

In a reinforced side wall constructed from a plurality of panel units for a prefabricated building or the like;

each of said panel units comprising a pair of elongated vertically extending channels, each of said channels having a face portion and integrally formed side edges coextensive with and disposed normally to said face portion, each of said channels having integrally formed edge portions inturned from said side edges coextensive with and generally parallel to but spaced from said face portion, said channels being secured in abutting backto-back relation to each other with adjacent inturned edge portions abutted and permanently secured together to define a pair of longitudinally spaced inwardly projecting hidden vertical ribs on the interior of said panel unit extending the entire heighth along the side edges thereof, said panel units being positioned in closely adjacent abutting side-by-side relation to form said side wall, the vertical rib of one of said panel units cooperating with the vertical rib of the panel unit adjacent thereto to define a rigid beam-like support extending the heighth of said panel units, and the arrangement being such that said side wall comprises a plurality of longitudinally spaced hidden vertically extending load bearing beamlike supports throughout its length.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,069,176 Budd Jan. 26, 1937 2,101,416 Venzie Dec. 7, 1937 2,103,407 Dean Dec. 28, 1937 2,173,020 Kubach Sept. 12, 1939 2,424,547 Behin July 29, 1947 2,531,075 Miller Nov. 21, 1950 2,589,633 Shepheard Mar. 18, 1952 2,652,907 Miller Sept. 22, 1953 2,697,407 Tyree Dec. 21, 1954 2,699,128 Johnson Jan. 11, 1955 

